Emeryville has transformed from a gritty industrial city to the “Mall of the East Bay.” And last night at Emerville City Hall, it was the inspiring beacon of hope for low-wage workers as the City Council voted unanimously to raise the minimum wage to $12.25 with a path to $16, making it the highest in the nation! The vote was more than just five councilmembers, led by Mayor Ruth Atkin, saying yes to creating better lives for thousands of workers, it represents a tipping point on the minimum wage that we are seeing nationally. And YOU have been a part of creating that momentum for change.

1. Seattle's new minimum wage officially kicks off today! Check out Sage’s blog Sound Progress for a full break down of what today’s raise means to workers and our economy.

This $15 minimum wage win would not have been possible without the partnership and leadership of fast food workers, labor, local businesses, community and government, including Sage’s critical role in mobilizing immigrant/People of color small businesses and non-profits, providing a policy analysis centered around racial justice and shaping enforcement and implementation.

Oakland workers, families, and our community took a giant leap forward in our quest for a true living wage and dignity in the workplace!

On March 2nd, 2015, 48,000 Oakland workers received a raise as the City’s new sweeping minimum wage law took effect, bumping people from $9 an hour to $12.25! 56,700 workers will also receive 5-9 paid sick days, depending on the size of their employer.

Last night we packed the house at the AFL-CIO in Washington DC to launch the 2x2 Campaign, our plan to improve the lives of two million people in the next two years. Setting an ambitious, measurable goal for our work reflects our commitment to having real impact, and having it soon. Listening to Richard Trumka, Tefere Gebre, Mary Kay Henry, Darlene Lombos, Deborah Scott, Bob Shull and Bishop Dwanye Royster talk about our plan last night, I can see that commitment is broadly shared in our movement.

Making progressive change begins in our cities. Cities are where income inequality is most concentrated, and where we’re challenging it by creating living wage jobs and high road economic development. Cities are where we can build resiliency through new investment in transit, waste systems, and energy efficiency. And, cities are where we’re organizing a permanent base of low income, people of color, union and environmental voters to ensure our cites’ decisions reflect our communities’ values.

The Partnership for Working Families and its Honorary Committee and Host Committee are pleased to invite you to a reception to launch our ambitious 2x2 Campaign on Thursday, January 29th, 5:30 – 7:30pm at the AFL-CIO Headquarters in Washington, DC. Help us advance our shared vision of building power to reshape our economy, improve our environment and rebuild our democracy for workers and communities. REGISTER NOW!

November 15 is America Recycles Day. Like me, you might wonder what recycling is really about. Is it just making sure to use the right bin? Is it just taking personal responsibility for our planet’s health? That’s part of it: we all discard or recycle something we no longer need every day. Americans throw out about 7 lbs of garbage a day. Recycling reduces waste, but there’s also the potential to transform trash into justice.